Kangerlussuaq - Toronto Expedition Greenland, Newfoundland and St Lawrence River: from ice-blue expanses to lush green wilderness

In the magical Arctic light, the wonders of the west coast of Greenland will be illuminated north of the Arctic Circle. A vast and silent landscape, home to relics of a 4,500-year-old culture – seemingly almost forgotten by the world.

In Sisimiut, where the remarkable old town seems like a museum village, the oldest settlement traces date back over 4,000 years, deep into the Saqqaq culture. Join your experts to hike over rocks and through tundra – to relics from the whaling era. A hike to Tele Island will also take you back thousands of years to see ancient ruins and graves, crowned by magnificent views of Sisimiut and the coast.

Disko Bay will provide even more memorable moments: ice sculptures in all manner of forms drift slowly through the vast area. Enjoy this natural spectacle from your front-row seat on deck – or take a Zodiac ride to the centre of the action. Illuminated by the sunlight, the ice gleams in a fascinating play of colours from white to azure blue. Depending on the local conditions, we will also visit the world-famous Ilulissat Icefjord. Here you can witness one of the most active glaciers in the world releasing majestic icebergs into the vastness of the fjord – an incredible UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Qeqertarsuaq, which was founded on Disko Island in 1773, is particularly full of character – enter the small town through the whalebone gateway. Explore Godhavn – the “good harbour”, Qeqertarsuaq’s translation – with your experts or wander through the Arctic tundra to the Windy Valley. The chances of seeing whales are also very good in these waters.

Your ship will chart a flexible course through the fjords of Greenland amid majestic mountain ranges and the deeply carved coastline. The Zodiacs will be used repeatedly. With a little luck, you might spot whales, surrounded by the colossal scenery.

Remote locations invite you to go hiking. Rivers rush through the landscape like lifelines. The home of moose, wolves and caribou. The coast is also home to seals and whales: look forward to exciting days in Newfoundland and Labrador, which until a few years ago could only be reached by seaplane or dog sled.

Trace the first Icelandic-Greenlandic settlers as you explore the excavations at L’Anse aux Meadows independently. The remains of a large Viking settlement were discovered here in the 1970s. The archaeological site at the northernmost tip of Newfoundland is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an open-air museum of sorts, with a Viking boat, a chieftain’s house, a church and a fairground. Reconstructed peat houses illustrate life around the year AD 1,000.

The fishing village of Red Bay seems to have been forgotten by the world. The sheltered natural harbour on the coast of Labrador was once a centre of Basque whaling. It is not known why whaling stopped here. The most likely explanation is that the site was abandoned after the whales were depleted by over-hunting. Today, a museum provides fascinating insights.

Off to the heart of the Gros Morne National Park: surrounded by fjords, bays, lakes, plateaus and mountain valleys, the small town of Woody Point is the perfect starting point for your outdoor activities* in the wilderness. Idyllically situated on the shore, the buildings from the early days of the 19th century, some of which are historic, tell you about the heritage of fishermen and loggers. With around 280 inhabitants, there are hardly more people living here than there are guests on your expedition ship.

Situated on the north-western shore of the St Lawrence River, Havre-Saint-Pierre is a place of remarkable diversity: impressive experiences of nature and wildlife viewing, hikes in unspoilt countryside and cultural discoveries await you. The port was founded in the 19th century by Acadian settlers, the “Cayens”. In a former general store, which is now a cultural centre, you can gain insights into history. Directly off the coast lies the Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve with its bizarre limestone monoliths, shaped by the sea and wind: the shapes will spark your imagination and make impressive photo motifs. In addition to rare flora with over 450 species of plants, the numerous islands and headlands are home to colonies of seabirds such as puffins and cormorants. Whales and seals also have their habitats here. Let yourself be captivated by French Canadian charm.

The local charm of the small town Gaspe is defined by the surrounding picturesque bays and cliffs as well as the majestic Gulf of Saint Lawrence. Located at the tip of the Gaspe Peninsula, the scenic town is known for its breathtaking landscapes. These vary greatly and have differences in height of up to 400 m (1,300 ft). The name Gaspe probably comes from a word of the Native American Mi’kmaq people and means something like “land’s end”. The place is also attributed with the historical significance of a beginning: it is considered the birthplace of the French colonisation of present-day Canada – in 1534, the explorer Jacques Cartier erected the first cross here. His contribution to the mapping of the St Lawrence River and his legacy in Canadian history remain significant to this day.

With a bit of luck, you will see beluga whales before you reach Tadoussac – the waters here are home to world’s southernmost population. Where the Saguenay Fjord joins the St Lawrence River, the village of Tadoussac, with its 800 inhabitants, welcomes you. It was founded by Europeans in the 17th century and is thus one of the oldest settlements in the country. Colourful houses with restaurants and small shops line the main street. Surrounded by green wooded hills, the pace of life here seems to be more relaxed. The proximity to the wide-open natural surroundings, the curved coastline and the river makes the village a popular starting point for outdoor activities* of all kinds and whale watching* – or for your own hikes.

On your approach along the impressive the St Lawrence River, an iconic structure already provides a hint of Quebec’s French flair: the Chateau Frontenac, a hotel in the style of a Norman castle, sits majestically high above the city. Take a fascinating journey of discovery through the picturesque old town: wander down the narrow, cobbled lanes, past traditional French architecture, charming boutiques and bistros. The ensemble is enclosed by a centuries-old city wall, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985. In addition to the slower pace of life, Quebec is characterised by a vibrant cultural scene in which art galleries, theatres and street artists come together.

In Montreal, Canada’s second-largest city, the French way of life meets British understatement. The metropolis is gently nestled along Mont Royal: the local mountain is also the city’s namesake and is a pleasant park for taking walks to enjoy wonderful views of Montreal. In the oldest district of Vieux-Montreal, many buildings such as the Notre-Dame Basilica, the Bonsecours Market and the town hall are reminiscent of the city’s French roots. Enjoy the European flair of the neighbourhoods on your own explorations or on excursions*. In the largest French-speaking city in the world after Paris, your personal spirit of discovery meets a special form of savoir vivre.

A highway of water: the St Lawrence River is a transport route, lifeline and the “home of whales” in North America. It connects the Great Lakes with the Atlantic Ocean. During your extraordinary passage, the ship will have to negotiate seven locks with a difference in height of up to 15 m (49 ft). Exciting manoeuvres that you can experience directly during the day: since your ship is built for expeditions and direct encounters with nature, you can use the many open decks to observe the lock passages. The Observation Lounge on Deck 8 also offers you a beautiful view of the action ahead. With your lock adventure on the St Lawrence River, you will experience a nautical feat that only a few ships can accomplish.

Where the St Lawrence River creates the border between the United States and Canada, your small expedition ship will pass through a photogenic labyrinth of skerries. Cruising through the Thousand Islands offers highly diverse island contrasts. In fact, there are not just 1,000, but more than 1,800 islands. Each island is different: some are covered in green forests, some have an English castle or colourful cottages – and the best views of them can be enjoyed from the many open deck areas.